BEAUTIFUL DAY for a Birthday Party

Theresa loves parties specially if it is a birthday party for her. Well today friends and family gathered to celebrate her unknown birthday number. She has been looking forward to our get together for a few days and was very excited when the people came in for a family dinner complete with cake and gifts.Her Mom was about excited as Theresa was because of the mention of cake Doris get turned on as much as a 95 year old lady can. For the past week she has been trying to figure out how old Theresa is because she cannot believe she can have a daughter as old as Theresa.

Because of the summer holidays and people moving about some of the family were missing but they made their presence known through lengthy phone calls. We had perfect weather and daughter Glenda took over the job as chief cook and used the outdoors on the barbie to provide delicious food for the guests.

At all our parties we have some great discussions and today was no different. Politics ruled the day but the unrest in the USA over the verdict in a recent trial caused a heated debate.By the end of the evening we went our separate way determined to continue our debates at the very next gathering. Theresa had a wonderful day and was thrilled by the response to her special day.

Dar's Birthday

Darlene's birthday; what a wonderful day! With every one of the immediate family present we celebrated another 50th birthday with a famjam. Great food, plenty of stories and a drink or two made the hours an adventure. Everyone had a story about the guest of honor  and with laughs and bursts of energy we were treated to what we do best, enjoy our time together as a family.

Darlene is our second oldest and has had a great life enjoying her family and a running career. She has made us very proud with her great ability to energize any group with her athletic ability. During the evening the grandchildren were treated to another special guest, Darcy from B.C. Darcy is in the middle of an extended holiday where she is bonding with family members and friends. Picture taking was experienced as this has been a special occasion as every member of our family was present.

Late into the evening the young people continued to share stories and were reluctant to see the special day end.Theresa and I enjoy every family gathering but this one was exceptional in so many ways. As Dar left this morning to travel to her home we were very satisfied to have had the opportunity to celebrate her special day and wish her the very best in the future

Glenda's Birthday Celebration

Our youngest daughter had a birthday a few days ago and we had a double treat. Not only did she have a happy time  but made us aware of her selection to take her MBL. This is quite an honour as only 30 were chosen to partake in this unique program where leadership is the main focus. This is a challenge that she will gladly take and is a reward for her years of hard work in her leadership role in education.

Most of the family were present and it is always special when we get together. There will be another celebration when Glenda graduates and makes us all proud of her accomplishments.

Wedding

This was not just a wedding but our first grand child's wedding. Harmony and Phil were married in an outdoor ceremony on Aug.12 joined by their family and close friends. It was special for Theresa and I as it was the first of what we hope will be many as we have eight grand children. The venue was perfect with a spacious outdoor area offering outstanding natural beauty with perfect features.

These weddings offer families with a great opportunity to mingle and over a period of hours have a quality visit, When one looked over the gathering you could not miss the large number of young people in the mix. We are so fortunate to have a rich number of talented people coming along to enhance the clan and provide a base for the future.

Harmony was well named as she radiates peace and harmony among her siblings and friends. It was a lovely affair bringing together two young people and families who support them in their life together. Facebook has produced beautiful pictures to keep safe this event but I wish to add a few just for good measure.

Anniversary

Today was our special day and it started off with a very windy welcome. Theresa and I planned a cruise to celebrate our wedding day and it was great. However the exact day has to bring special meaning and as the day started we talked of the past and the adventures we experienced along the way.

It is good to look to the past but always see the future as the focus in a marriage. We have had a wonderful life with our children and friends and look foreword to many more. Today we received calls from our children and relaxed with Theresa and I  receiving calls and just sharing this day together.

The pool was filled to the top after the rain storm as we received about 5 inches of much needed moisture. When we had our swim the water was much deeper and we had fun with the change. To celebrate this day we decided to go to the Outback and have a special meal. As usual the food was great and we over indulged but it was really a time to have a slow meal with no dishes to wash

Our day was wonderful and we had the server take our picture to document the event. The only thing that could make this day better would be to share it back in Oakville with family and friends. .

Birthday Special

In our family we always celebrate birthdays, but this date is special because three members of our clan have the same birthday. February is a big month as we celebrated two of the clan had milestone numbers as 20 and 25 are quite special when you are a university student.Normally Theresa and I are in Florida for these special days but this year we were happy to be present.

Although this B'day was for  Darcy,  the others will have their celebration at a later date with family. Our birthday girl is in second year university studying to be a world leader and has so far been involved in making a difference for less fortunate people. She is a traveller and comes back with wonderful stories about far off places and makes us all motivated to do the same. This year to be involved she has taken a dog to be socialized for the guide dog program which is centered in Oakville. I just wonder what that young dog will learn by attending class or more particularly during the off hours.

This will be the second last family gathering before we leave for Florida so it was a great occasion for picture  taking and getting caught up on all the latest news. For Darcy on her 20th, it brought memories flooding back as I had the good fortune of having shared many times with her as a very young child. I have to say she was special but spoiled then, and special today but less spoiled because she has definite goals to achieve and so much to do.

A New Beginning

During your life there are markers that tell of a new status in your journey through life. It was exciting when you got married and at the birth of your children new doors opened. You watched them grow and develop into adults. You were proud of their achievements and told anyone of just how wonderful they were. They became the center of your life and as a family you became a tight little society. You hoped it would never change but it did. Your children became adults and found partners who would be added to the clan. The outcome was an ever expanding and changing group with new dynamics and vitality.

Next came the grand children and with this event your whole life became a new adventure. You are swept away by the new vigor you feel and become so much more mellow. Grand children make you feel the way you should have felt when you had your children but this is different. You let your guard down and because you only have them for snippets of time you make every second count. They become your new children and you have a second chance to be what you always wanted to be but couldn't with your children. We all feel that change that is the reward for becoming grand parents.

These are the years when time is on your side. You have time to indulge and enjoy the grandchildren because you are relaxed and should be free from the stresses you had as young parents. The stage of children rearing comes at a cost. You are faced with just developing your career, buying your home, trying to maintain economic stability and sharing your life with your partner. Any of these challenges is difficult but at this time you have to muster enough energy to do all and well. Your very existence is dependent on how well you juggle your time and love to be successful

Next the grand children find friends and partners and somehow become less visible. If you are fortunate, your children will be close enough to stay in the family but your grand children probably will be ushered into different geographic zones to make a living or satisfy a partner or a dozen other reasons. When they have children you might have the good fortune to be available to enjoy their life and share in some of their adventures. This life cycle is reality and so far I personally have been blessed in having the best of all worlds.I have my family intact, grandchildren I see frequently and reasons to be a proud parent and grand parent.

With the announcement of an engagement and and future marriage of one of my granddaughters I feel the excitement which comes from the close relationship I have had with this valued person over the years. I have watched her grow from an independent, self directed child to a mature loving adult with much to offer the world. At this moment my excitement and emotional high ushers me into the next dimension of my life. I as all of our family are so happy that her journey which is just beginning adds another block in our extended family and strengthens the family connection in a wonderful manner.

Perfect Ending

As we prepare to fly away I have a feeling of contentment because of a wonderful three weeks. Time shared with family and friends make us realize what is missing when we are away. This year was special as family gatherings were many and rewarding. On my last evening here I was invited to attend a NHL game with my friend and son-in-law John. The ride to Toronto was filled with chatter about all things as we have not been in touch for a few months. The game was predictable as THE LEAFS lost but the game was well played. The real drama was in Buffalo where Canada was playing the USA and every goal posted on the game clock gave the Toronto fans something to cheer about.

With the final countdown already in motion I get the feeling that we are people in motion and constantly packing and unpacking. It is a routine I am used to and there are advantages as you have many opportunities to discard unwanted items and declutter.


It is snowing today and as the flaked slowly drifts to the ground we are treated to some semblance of a Canadian Winter. Yesterday I was raking leaves forgotten in the fall and checking the buds on the fruit trees. Today if I have time I will spray the sulfur and oil to prevent the bugs from damaging the trees in the spring.

My neighbour from across the street just came to say so long and that he would take care of our place. He is the watchdog for our block and is experiencing medical challenges that would overwhelm most but he plods along. I shall regret not being here for some support to help him along the way.

Our next blog will be from the sunny south and I trust the weather will bring comfort to my bones which suffer from a little arthritis.

The Last Day

It just seems like yesterday that we were celebrating the year 2000. We now are living on the last day of 2010. So much has transpired during this year which brought out all of our emotional triggers in response. Politics, volcanoes, earthquakes and of course sports. As much as I like to look back occasionally I really look forward to the uncharted waters of the future. An excitement grips my mind when I dare to daydream of all the opportunities which will avail themselves in the next 365 days.

Some of the challenges that await me are already cast but it is the unknown which amuses me. As a child I remember getting boxes, sent by our Aunt and Uncle filled with small treasures or so they seemed but it was the anticipation of the opening of the box that gave me pleasure. Life is a very exciting experience and this year will be no exception. I have some medical issues which will be resolved sometime this year and it will be new for me and I look upon this as an adventure. Adventures deal with the unknown and surprises are part of the trip. My wish is that my adventure and surprises meet my expectations.

During the next year I wish to communicate in a more meaningful way with my family and friends. Time shared with people give up the greatest rewards and offer opportunities to bring you closer to self actualization. Our growth curve sometimes becomes stagnant so this year I will make an effort to shake things up and revitalize my inner self.

Time shared with my grandchildren this holiday has been a eye opener and I have to get with it to keep up with their energy. So this is my goal and I will need much help to reach it. However the journey is the real test and I shall try to walk quickly and straight.

10.10.10.

This particular date will not occur for another 100 years so we should make it special. Many of my friends are celebrating this day as turkey day with family and friends gathering to feast on a special Thanksgiving dinner. It is also a time of reflection where we can count our blessings and many gifts which we take for granted most every day.

Personally I am most thankful for family and good health. Our family and extended family are blessed with good health mostly and are able to live a full life with all its value. Today we shall gather at my daughters home (daughter #1) and experience that special feeling when you are together as a family. As we are spread around the province is not always possible for us all to get together but we must count the ones who are there and remember the ones who are missing.

This has been a particularly difficult year for me with the death of several close friends and health issues for others.This can be expected at my age but it doesn't make it any easier. This week Theresa and I have been busy putting our yard in order for the winter and packing for our time down south. The beautiful colours of the leaves and bushes tell us it is time for the migration to take place and the tree full of birds yesterday was a sure sign.

It has been a great year for butterflies and the Monarch is starting to form groups on their way to Mexico. We have seen huge flocks over the years on our way to Florida. We were lucky this year to be home to four hatchings of house and song sparrows. Our bird houses were full all summer and provided us with entertainment.

One incident was of special mention when I heard Doris and Theresa shouting about a large bird by our fish ponds. It was a huge Sand Hill Crane standing over our goldfish ready to have a colourful snack when the shouts scared him away. It was such a large bird that it had trouble taking off over our tall Maple Trees in the back yard but it managed and we still have our little fish. They stay in the ponds over winter and manage quite well.

Mother nature this year provided us with bumper crops of vegetables and fruit. Flowers and trees flourished and we reaped the benefits of her bounty and beauty for which we are thankful.

There are so many things we can be thankful for it would be impossible to state them all. We should be thankful for the young men and women who are in far away places defending our country's orders to participate in wars. I will be thankful when the world finds other ways to solve their differences like maybe having our leaders duel or something.

Finally, after all this rambling, I feel blessed to live in a country with all its faults and to feel free to make my own path to peace and happiness in our family circle.

Get Together

Another family get-together and it was a party for Theresa but really it was great to have everyone in the same room again. We had old friends from Sudbury join us and they enjoyed the kids. A few were missing but the ones there made up for it by constant chatter.

Our family is maturing and when the grand children are in their twenties, it tells a story. We don't feel much older but numbers don't lie so we are maturing (gracefully). I love to watch and listen to the interaction and hear words spoken that reflect my values and assumptions. This is especially true when it comes to politics, and most have a liberal view. Actually most are socially conscious and vote not for the party, but the issue.

Theresa loves birthdays and all that goes with it. She has immersed herself in the family and coming from a single child family it must have been quite a conversion. With the grandchildren entering into relationships we feel blessed, as the new kids on the block are so great. I have always said that when your children are growing up and joining the world out there, know their friends. Good friends make for happiness and growth; bad friends make for a crappy future.

There was plenty of good food and more laughter than you could stand but it was the look on Theresa's face that told it all. I should not report this but I was so involved with the arrangements that I forgot the gift for Theresa. How could this happen? We planned to go away for a few days golfing on her actual birthday but it was cancelled. For all the planning I did I missed a little thing. I pleaded a senior moment when told of the inappropriate act but I am not sure Theresa bought it. I will make up the difference in the future but for now I will have to make sure I know which way the wind is blowing.

Get-togethers are wonderful and I truly love the fact that all our family feel the same way.

July 1 Celebrations

All across Canada people celebrated our 143 rd birthday in as many ways as there are people. Our national celebrations were of course mainly in Ottawa where our Queen was the special guest. Queen Elizabeth is 84 years old but is very spry and her workload is long and strenuous. She will be the longest serving head of state in a few years.

We as a family celebrate in our own way by making the evening music and fireworks a special time as we gather at the waterfront and watch the festivities from John's beautiful boat. We listen to the music blaring from the stand but it is only background as were are all enjoying each others company. Everyone trying to make points during the conversations over the sound of music make one almost shout. We however differ in our points of view while appreciating the diversity of thoughts much the same way as we do in accepting the diversity of our country.

This evening the weather is perfect and John takes people out for a spin on his new dingy. It is actually quite the small boat with a 40 hp motor and a speed to spare. Food is served by the host and suddenly everyone shares the bounty contained in the bags taken aboard and we are faced with lamb chops, hot and cold smoked salmon, sausage and all the chips and high calorie junk food sold to make us fat. Of coarse some tasty drinks help all this food go down smoothly.

We have a baby springer spaniel on board and she is the center of attention. Finally the highlight becomes apparent as the loud boom from the fireworks dominate the scene. For half and hour there are the expressions of delight from the huge crowd which never seems to tire of this elaborate ritual. As suddenly as it begun there is silence, then clapping, horn blowing and many expressions of satisfaction for a job well done.

We pile into our cars and make our way home in the heavy traffic and discuss the day and ponder if next year it will be as good. It always is and we look forward to Canada's 144rd birthday next July 1.

Grand Old Lady

This week on of my long time friend had a sad moment as his mother passed away at the age of 98. She was small in stature and showed the character she possessed on her face. A simple farm wife who toiled on a small farm with her husband and raised two children. She was without complaint and even after her husband passed away she helped raise other peoples children bonding with them and was accepted as one of the family. She travelled far and wide and blended in the social fabric with grace and dignity.

On her visits to Pembroke she endeared herself to everyone she met and had a way with words expressing herself simply but with that soft smile captured your attention. Arlyss was a devoted son and drove the several hour journey to see her every two weeks and more often if necessary. It is at times like this that we come to grips with our own life and realize how valuable time really is. Arlyss' mom lived her 98 years in a manner that could be considered full and her devotion to her family and community was what makes rural Canada so important. She was a good woman in every sense and will be missed by those who knew her.

Theresa and I will be travelling over to the celebration of her life on Wednesday and will bring support to our friend Arlyss during his time of mourning.

The Gangs All Here

It is more difficult to get our whole family together but today we will be all in one room together and what a time we will have. We are honouring two of our grand children who have or will have their birthdays soon. Such occasions are special and we all look forward to sharing stories and trying to get a word in with all the talkers in the family. We make up four generations and the stories are varied. We cross such a age gap that the very young are amazed with the stories of the old who talk of issues that the young cannot believe and the knowledge passed on is invaluable.

We barbeque and eat healthy food and have a little wine but mostly we fill up on just being together. After our visit life seems a little empty for a day or so but we look forward to our next get together. During these summer months we take every opportunity to mix and stay close. We are so fortunate to be able to have such wonderful times and blessed to all have good health and productive lives.

Loose Ends

Saturday mornings are market days and as usual Theresa and I went to our local market. We never really needed anything but fresh flowers but we went anyway. The season for Snowbirds is over and you can tell as the numbers were not there today. We wandered through to see our regular vendors and to wish them well.

The bunches of carnations were beautiful and we bought two. This will do until we leave. Fresh corn and cucumbers were our other items and away we went. We looked back to see the place where we had many moments of fun going through the vendors tables when I spyed some large grapefruit. we went back and made our last purchase.

All the vendors said this was the worst year on record but they managed.The Plant City strawberries were selling almost half price as the fields ripened all at once. I share my feelings with Theresa about the resilience of our farmers. Too good a crop and the price drops, to poor a crop and nobody wants to buy as the price is high. Come to think of it, it is probably the best example of the free enterprise system in our capitalistic world.

Arriving home I am faced with a decision about our own produce. I will pick the carrots, beans, cabbage and whatever is left and give it away. Not a bad idea as everyone likes fresh produce. The last three weeks has our city green and lush as we already have been given over 20 inches of rain when the average for the whole winter is less than two.

They are predicting an active hurricane season but I think the east coast should be prepared for a bad summer and fall. Every year I make a prediction on the basis of the water temperature in the Arctic. So far it has been better than the hurricane center who derive their predictions on computer readings and the water temp in the south Pacific. I will never live it down if I am wrong.

Theresa and I are going dancing tonight with friends at the Elks Lodge. A little pre-anniversary get together and a chance to say so long for six months. I always feel at loose ends when we leave our home here or in Ontario. We seem to be in transition as we seek eternal sunshine but we never get bored as a result.

Making a List

This morning I was to complete a few tasks around the house and I did so rather to quickly as the new list is even bigger. Every year before returning to Ontario Theresa and I make a complete (almost as we always forget something) list of tasks to do. This list is our wish plan for the time we leave until we return.

There are many events for us to attend to as 2010 marks the anniversary of special occasions from the past. One such event is the 55th year since graduation from teachers college and there is a special celebration planned. Our wedding anniversary is in there somewhere and my daughter and granddaughter are going to Africa to help build a school. This will be the second such mission for our granddaughter and this time she is taking mommy along to take pictures and look after things.

We want to get to the Maritimes to see family and friends and there are a few weddings we wish to try to attend. Along with golf, gardening and writing there is not too much down time. By planning we are able to enjoy the thrill of anticipation. Theresa is the detail planner and keeps good records so we don't miss too many important items.

Before we leave our checklist is growing and there is the usual panic before the calm. We always seem to have a day of rest as everything is packed beforehand so we leave early. This Friday is the panic day but come tomorrow all will be well.

I don't do this often but I would like to share a happy moment. Friends of forty years phoned me last evening and expressed joy from the engagement of their only daughter. I have seen these friends in many situations, but I have never witnessed happier parents than these two people with the joyous news. In life there are a few special occasions and I was part of one as they shared their joy with me.

There is something to be learned here... share your joy and make the world a happier place in which to live. Thank you Don and Susan.

Looking Back

Today being my birthday I look back a little with fond memories. I always say that I never had a bad day but some days bad things happened. I still believe this and rarely look back. The places I lived or visited, the people I know or met and the experiences I realized make me what I am today. I feel that I am extremely happy and grateful for the totality of all that was and look forward to the future.

As a self actuated person the future is a gift to be cherished and shared with all who make my life complete.Many years ago I was influenced by Professor Newberry, a philosophy advocate who taught me to see the world as a vast opportunity to discover the joys of participating in this exciting structure. He saw joy in understanding the true meaning of being a citizen who believed in the universal currency of human rights and the worth of every living soul.

Looking back I see the branches of our family tree growing and how we can be a force for good. So many people drift through life without causing a ripple but I see our family causing a storm for the betterment of society. I am proud of the contributions of our young people who are passionate about life and making a difference.


Looking ahead I see that there will be times for celebrations for deeds performed and goals met. I shall try to inspire and motivate our family to be the best that they are capable of being. Looking back might be of some value but looking ahead is so much more productive.I have been given 73 good years and look forward to many more filled with exciting experiences and surprises .

Arctic Xmas Trees

In the days before 1956 Xmas in the Arctic was celebrated by only a few Christians who had some form of a church. Around this time the USA and Canada began building the DEW line to protect us from Russia during the Cold War. At this time Inuit lived in extended family groups and had their own spiritual conventions. Shamans were the main holder of spiritual power and were called to help when problems arose.

After the grouping of the Inuit into hamlets to provide education and medical care christian missionaries came to teach the Inuit about our great God who would watch over them.There were about 60 thousand pure Inuit who were forced into 40 hamlets usually near a radar base.This was often done with the use of force.

At Xmas time some trees were brought in by the air for the white people living at the Radar stationed and a few were given to the churches. Many of the decorations were made by the skilled Inuit children and adults and sometimes lights were also present. This captured the imagination of the Inuit and many converted to Christianity.Roman Catholic, United Church and Anglican Churches brought most into the fold.

Regional schools were established in various locations and the children were forced to leave their hamlets to attend these institutions.This was supposed to be a good thing but turned out to be one of the blackest marks in Canadian history in the treatment of its aboriginal peoples. The children were forced to speak English only and to cut their hair and to forget their culture. Physical abuse and sexual abuse was rampant and even today the Inuit suffer from the scars of these Christian institutions. The government contracted out these responsibilities and never monitored them properly. There has been many attempts to rectify these outrages.

At these schools Xmas traditions were taught but the memories of these schools was so bad that churches in general fell in popularity. Very few Inuit continued the church tradition after this tragic experiment.

Today with artificial trees readily available Inuit are able to have a traditional Christmas with the decorations. Christmas music is popular and I attended the Inuit tree lighting at the church and it is beautiful to hear Inuit people singing Xmas carols in their own language. There is a new tradition in the Arctic which embraces the old and the new. The scars from past wrongs are fading and the impact of TV and new ministries has brought some sense of healing. The one tradition which prevailed was the Xmas tree.

One family that I knew well used to weave Arctic Willow over a tent ridge pole and placed it in the center of their room. It was adorned by children's art and on Xmas, treats were placed in handmade bags for the children. It was priceless.

Santa Claus

Everyone has a favourite Xmas story from their youth and I seem to have many. Christmas was the one time of the year when everyone in our home made a special effort to behave well and become somewhat more helpful.In our home we were crowded to say the least and to have privacy, well it was a relative term. There was a particular area of our house that made eavesdropping easy. Above our kitchen stove was a register which enabled the heat to rise to the rooms above but also one could hear the conversations from people talking downstairs.

Late one night I could not sleep as I was thinking about Christmas and Santa Claus. Yes I did believe in the jolly old fellow and it gave us a way to believe and hope for miracles.I heard Mom and Dad talking in the kitchen below and I crept over and listened to their conversation. I could see them sitting by the stove with Mom having a cup of tea in her hand and Dad in his chair smoking his pipe. The smoke wafted up through the register and smelled so good. To this day it is the tobacco smoke that defines the smell of my Dad.

My mother was serious looking and they were talking about Christmas and what to get for the kids.It was about 1942 and Dad was working in the coal pit and things were tough during those days but everyone had a job. The thought that they were thinking about our gifts shocked me or at least confused me because we already asked Santa for what we wanted.

It was only two nights ago we wrote on a paper and put it in the flames of the coal stove so Santa would get it on time. Why were they worried? For the first time I started to have doubts but I did not want to as the myth was so good or to good to be true.I went back to bed and slept thinking about this mystery.

Next day I confronted m Mom and asked her if there was a Santa. She looked at me with that motherly look and said in the most convincing way that indeed there was a Santa. Why was I asking her and did someone tell me there was not a Santa? I told her I just wondered and I was truly assured and never brought it up again for several years. That year Santa did come and I got my home made sleigh and hockey stick and my faith was renewed.

Today young people lose that wonder and mystery only too quickly. Growing up and having to face reality sure was a bummer.I liked that feeling of the supernatural and never recovered completely until I became a Father and became the holder of the secrets of Christmas for my children.

Christmas Shopping

Christmas comes but once a year and that is a good thing when it comes to shopping. Theresa and I arrive at our list of people for whom we wish to buy Xmas gifts. We keep a book or rather Theresa keeps a book with a list of all the gifts we gave and to whom over the past years.

We discuss the appropriate gifts for this year with the info we had in the book and away we or mostly Theresa goes. She has to be sure of the exact size and colour for each and with twenty in the same room at Christmas morning we better be right.

Here there is a large selection of stores and with the economy down there are sales in every store. The adds come with the newspaper and you could not believe the paper used for shopping promotions. Last Thursday the weight of the ads was nearly ten pounds and this is repeated nearly every day from now to Christmas. It is a good thing we have a active recycling program.

I play golf every Tuesday and Theresa goes shopping and has nearly every gift ready for wrapping. I look at the pile of gifts and I wonder how we will get them in our travelling cases and through customs. Flying today does not leave anything over the weight limit to travel without a penalty. That is my worry.

We realize that the real joy is in the giving and we have a certain happiness in the whole Xmas spirit as we look over our purchases before wrapping and again when the gifts are opened. Theresa tries to make every gift special and wraps them with the same care.

We realize that gifts are not the real meaning of Christmas but an expression of sharing with those we love.With so many this year experiencing difficult times we try to make contributions to worthy causes to help bring joy to the needy. As our Christmas shopping comes to an end I am thankful that I have a partner who loves to shop and I can help here and there with good ideas for gifts for the hard to serve. Next year I wish to take a more active role in the joy of Christmas shopping.